ACEH TAMIANG – The central government has reaffirmed its commitment to expediting post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction in several areas of Sumatra, with an initial focus on repairing the homes of healthcare workers affected by flooding. This policy is considered strategic for ensuring the continuity of healthcare services amidst the increasing needs of the community during the recovery period.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the decision to prioritize housing for healthcare workers arose because their living conditions significantly impact their ability to perform their duties optimally. He noted that many healthcare workers are still living in evacuation centers, despite simultaneously maintaining their healthcare responsibilities.
“Health services are not optimal because some healthcare workers are still living in evacuation centers. That’s why the government is prioritizing the rehabilitation of all healthcare workers’ homes affected by the floods in Sumatra,” said Budi.
He added that the month after a disaster is the most vulnerable period for the community, when various potential diseases begin to emerge. “It’s during this phase that the burden on healthcare workers becomes even heavier. They must return to work in decent conditions,” he said.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson Widyawati explained that restoring healthcare workers’ housing is a crucial step in accelerating the normalization of the healthcare system in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. She emphasized that restoring healthcare workers’ housing involves not only physical but also psychological aspects, as safe housing allows them to work with greater focus.
“The Ministry of Health, along with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), has recorded approximately 3,000 healthcare workers’ homes in need of rehabilitation. This will continue to expand as field verification continues,” he said. He added that providing adequate housing for healthcare workers is also an indicator of regional preparedness in dealing with the after-effects of a disaster, including a potential surge in infectious disease cases.
Jarwansah, Deputy for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), added that home repair assistance will be provided in the form of incentives based on the level of damage. Rp15 million for minor damage, Rp30 million for moderate damage, and Rp60 million for severe damage. “Because the amount is large, distribution will likely be carried out in stages based on the districts and cities whose data has been submitted and verified,” he explained.
The government hopes that the accelerated rehabilitation of these housing units will not only restore the lives of healthcare workers and residents, but also strengthen public health resilience in affected areas. With support from various ministries and local governments, the recovery process is expected to be faster, more measurable, and provide a sense of security for communities recovering from the disaster.